Attachable supplemental battery for mobile device

ABSTRACT

A self-attaching supplemental battery for a cellular phone comprises a housing containing a rechargeable battery. A releasable attachment pad is affixed to an attachment side of the housing to releasably couple the housing and the rechargeable battery to a back of the cellular phone. A cover is removably carried by the housing, and selectively locatable on either side. The cover comprises a panel sized and shaped to cover the releasable attachment pad in a protection location when located on the attachment side of the housing, and to expose the releasable attachment pad in a storage location when located on the face side of the housing.

PRIORITY CLAIM

Priority is claimed to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.62/340,088, filed May 23, 2016, which is hereby incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a supplemental battery.

Related Art

As the use of cellular phones increases, one challenge faced by users isbattery life. Many users utilize the cellular phone during the day, andcharge the cellular phone at night, but deplete the battery of thecellular phone midway through the day. Thus, many users must find a wayto recharge the battery. One solution is to plug the cellular phone intoa wall outlet, which required users to carry a spare charger. Adisadvantage of wall charging is the user can become immobilized duringcharging. Another solution is the use of a supplemental battery that canbe plugged into the cellular phone. One advantage of supplementalbatteries is that they are mobile. One disadvantage, however, ofsupplemental batteries is that they often require the user to juggle twodevices interconnected by a cord; which can cause one or the other, orboth, to be dropped. Thus, the supplemental batteries can be difficultto handle. Another solution is a battery case that fits over the phonelike a protective case, but also provides a supplemental battery. Suchbattery cases can be bulky. In addition, multiple different batterycases must be manufactured to fit the specific dimensions of aparticular phone. Thus, they are not interchangeable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop asupplemental battery for a cellular phone or other mobile device that iseasy to handle, and compatible with multiple different cellular phones.

The invention provides a self-attaching supplemental battery for acellular phone or mobile device, comprising a housing, a releasableattachment pad, and a cover. The housing contains a rechargeablebattery, and has opposite sides including an attachment side and a faceside. The releasable attachment pad is affixed to the attachment side ofthe housing, and releasably couples the housing and the rechargeablebattery to a back of the cellular phone or mobile device. The cover isremovably carried by the housing, and is selectively locatable on eitherside of the housing. The cover comprises a panel sized and shaped tosubstantially cover the releasable attachment pad in a protectionlocation when located on the attachment side of the housing, and toexpose the releasable attachment pad in a storage location when locatedon the face side of the housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be apparentfrom the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example,features of the invention; and, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a supplemental battery in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention, shown with a cover in a protectionlocation or configuration.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the supplemental battery of FIG. 1,shown releasably coupled to a back of a cellular phone;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the supplemental battery of FIG. 1 and thecellular phone;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the supplemental battery of FIG. 1,shown with a pair of plugs on a pair of cords extending from a housing.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the supplemental battery of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6a is a rear view of the supplemental battery of FIG. 1, shown withthe cover in a storage location or configuration with a releasableattachment pad exposed.

FIG. 6b is a front view of the supplemental battery of FIG. 1, shownwith the cover in the storage location or configuration, and shown withthe cover in a first orientation with a first cutout formed in a panelof the cover exposing a first plug in a first pocket.

FIG. 6c is a front view of the supplemental battery of FIG. 1, shownwith the cover in the storage location or configuration, and shown withthe cover in a second orientation with a second cutout formed in thepanel of the cover exposing a second plug in a second pocket.

FIG. 7a is a rear view of the supplemental battery of FIG. 1, shown withthe cover in the protection location or configuration.

FIG. 7b is a front view of the supplemental battery of FIG. 1, shownwith the cover in the protection location or configuration with a faceside of the housing exposed.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the cover of the supplemental battery of FIG.1.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the cover of the supplemental battery of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the cover of the supplemental battery ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a right side view of the cover of the supplemental battery ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is a left side view of the cover of the supplemental battery ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the cover of the supplemental batteryof FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the cover of the supplemental batteryof FIG. 1.

FIG. 15 is a schematic view of the supplemental battery of FIG. 1, shownbeing charged by a wall charger and/or a laptop computer.

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated, andspecific language will be used herein to describe the same. It willnevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT(S)

Definitions

The terms “cell phone” and “cellular phone” are used interchangeablyherein to refer broadly to a cellular phone, smart phone, phablet, orother handheld electronic device. In addition, the terms “cell phone” or“cellular phone” include any protective or decorative case or skin orfilm attached to the cellular phone. For example, the phrase “attachedto a cellular phone” is intended to mean directly attached to thecellular phone, as well as indirectly attached by way of being attachedto a protective or decorative case, skin or film. Such cellular phonescan be portable, handheld communication devices that can include aspeaker, a microphone, a transmitter and a receiver (or transceiver), apower supply or battery, a display screen or touch screen display andinput device, other input devices, such as one or more buttons, etc. Thecellular phone can have a back or back surface, and a front or frontsurface. The display or touch screen can occupy a great majority of thefront of the cellular phone.

The term “mobile device” is used broadly herein to refer to a portable,hand-held electronic device, including by way of example, a cellular(cell) phone, a smart phone, a tablet computer or tablet, a phablet, aglobal positioning system (GPS), a mobile media player, a gaming system,a video monitor, and the like. Such a device can have a display screenupon which data, information, media, etc. is viewed; one or more inputs,such as buttons, a touch screen, etc.; one or more outputs, such as thescreen, a speaker, an audio jack, etc.; a power supply, such as abattery; a data storage system and a computing system. Such a device canalso include a port or socket for receiving a power and/or dataconnection cord or plug. The mobile device can have a back or backsurface, and a front or front surface. The display or touch screen canoccupy a great majority of the front of the mobile device. Mobiledevices can have various different sizes, including different widths,lengths, or both. The mobile device can be rectangular with a smallerwidth and a greater height. By way of example, the mobile device canhave a width or a height of approximately 55-80 mm.

The term “indicia” is used herein to refer to a visual element(s) thatcan convey information. The indicia can be embossed or raised, ordebossed or lowered, in the material. The indicia can be formed by inkprinted on the material or surface. The indicia can be indicative of orrepresenting a business (or company or organization), a product orservice, or both, such as a logo, message, slogan, etc. The logo orindicia can be or can include letters, symbols, figures, pictures,logos, art, corporate messages, slogans, bi-lines, icons, etc. that areassociated with or that form a representation of a business, company ororganization or the like, or a product, service or the like, or both.Thus, the indicia indicative of or representing a business (or company),a product, or both, such as a logo, is presented to the user, and thusbecomes a promotion. Thus, the pocket device can be a promotional itemand can be provided by businesses, corporations or other organizations,with indicia indicative of or representing a business (or company ororganization), a product or service, or both, such as a logo, message,slogan, etc. The pocket devices can be inexpensively manufactured, andin use, can occupy a position of high and frequent visibility. Thus, thepocket devices can be inexpensively manufactured, and given away aspromotional items. In addition, the indicia can include instructions ordirections for use, orientation, care, warnings, etc. The indicia caninclude instructions that can be related or unrelated to the use or careof the pocket device. For example, the instructions can include how touse or place the pocket device and/or tether, and how to clean or washthe pocket device and/or tether. As another example, the instructionscan relate to the use of something other than the pad itself, such as anitem to be disposed thereon or therein.

The terms “interference fit” and “friction fit” are terms of art usedinterchangeably herein to refer to deliberately causing, increasingand/or using friction to deliberately resist movement. An interferencefit or friction fit is different than and greater than the existence offriction. While friction may exist between any two surfaces, is oftendesirable to do all one can to reduce this friction. An interference fitor friction fit can be distinguished from naturally occurring frictionby being actually deliberately caused and increased. An interference fitcan be created by dimensioning engaging parts so that their surfacestightly bear against one another. A friction fit can be created bysurface roughness that is rougher.

The term “back of the cellular phone” is intended to include the back ofthe cellular phone itself as well as any case or skin disposed on thecellular phone.

Description

Referring to FIGS. 1-15, a self-attaching supplemental battery,indicated generally at 10, is shown for providing a supplemental chargefor a cellular phone 14 in an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Thesupplemental battery 10 can be a power bank for charging a battery ofthe cellular phone 14. The supplemental battery 10 can be temporarilyattached to the cellular phone 14, such as to a back 18 of the cellularphone, or case or skin thereof. The supplemental battery can attach witha releasable attachment pad 22, such as a Sticky Pad® type releasableattachment pad. In addition, the supplemental battery 10 can have twobuilt-in charging cables and plugs for different types of styles ofcellular phones. For example, the plugs can include: 1) a micro-USBcable for Android-based phones, and 2) a Lightning cable for iPhones.Furthermore, the supplemental battery 10 can have a cover 26. The cover26 can be a multi-orientation, clear plastic cover that goes over thereleasable attachment pad 22, and snap around the edges of thesupplemental battery, to keep the releasable attachment pad 22 cleanwhen not in use, and/or resist inadvertent sticking to other objects.The same cover 26 can be snapped on the opposite side of thesupplemental battery when the releasable attachment pad 22 is attachedto the phone 14 and in use. The cover 26 can be oriented in twodifferent orientations depending, on which cable/plug is being used, toresist loss or misplacement of the cover. In addition, the cover 26 canprovide additional thermal insulation when the supplemental battery isin use in case it gets warm while charging the cellular phone 14. Thecover 26 can help keep the supplemental battery cooler to the touch.

The supplemental battery 10 has a housing 30 containing a rechargeablebattery 34. The housing 30 has opposite, sides including an attachmentside 38 to attach to the cellular phone, and a face side 42 opposite theattachment side. The housing can comprise plastic, and can be formed bymolding. In addition, the housing 30 can have a perimeter wall 46extending around the housing and between the attachment side 38 and theface side 42. A charge port 50 and/or a power button 54 can be formed inthe perimeter wall 46 of the housing 30 and electrically coupled to therechargeable battery 34. The housing can also contain controlelectronics coupled to the battery to control charging and dischargingof the battery. Indicator lights can be carried by the housing andelectrically coupled to the battery and/or the control electronics toindicate function of the supplemental battery and/or charge level of therechargeable battery. Furthermore, the housing 30 has first and secondpockets 58 and 62. The pockets can be formed on opposite sides of thehousing, and are sized and shaped to receive the plugs, described below,substantially flush with the adjacent surfaces of the housing. In oneaspect, the pockets can be formed by three continuous walls to receiveand/or abut to a body of the plug, with a hole in one wall to receive anelectrical protrusion of the plug. In addition, finger indentations 66can be formed in a surface adjacent the pockets 58 and 62, such as inthe face side 42, to facilitate removal of the plugs from the pockets.

As stated above, the supplemental battery 10 and/or the housing 30 has apair of plugs, for example first and second plugs 70 and 74,electrically coupled to the rechargeable battery 34 by a pair of cords,for example first and second cords 78 and 82, respectively. The firstand second plugs can be different from one another. As described above,the first plug 70 is removably received in the first pocket 58 and thesecond plug 74 is removably received in the second pocket 62. The plugscan be retained in the pockets by friction or interference fit, or snapfit, between the plug bodies and the pockets and/or the electricalextensions and the holes. The plugs or plug bodies can be substantiallyflush with the surfaces of the housing adjacent to the pockets to resistsnagging. The finger indentations 66 can extending into the housing, orthe face side 42, to allow a user to engage the plug body with a fingeror fingernail and force the plug from the pocket. Similarly, the cordscan be retained in channels in the housing. The first cord 78 with thefirst plug 70 is electrically coupled to the rechargeable battery 34 andcan extend from the housing so that the first plug can engage with acorresponding socket of the cellular phone. Similarly, the second cord82 with the second plug 74, different from the first plug 70, iselectrically coupled to the rechargeable battery 34 and can extend fromthe housing so that the second plug can engage with a correspondingsocket of the cellular phone. Thus, the supplemental battery 10 can beconfigured to be selectively used with multiple different types ofcellular phone.

A releasable attachment pad 22 is affixed to the attachment side 38 ofthe housing 30 to releasably couple the housing, and the rechargeablebattery, to the back 18 of the cellular phone 14, or case or skinthereof. The releasable attachment pad 22 can occupy a majority of theattachment side 38 in one aspect; or greater than 75 percent in anotheraspect. Thus, the releasable attachment pad 22 can provide sufficientsurface area to make a strong, yet releasable, attachment to thehousing. In one aspect, the releasable attachment pad 22 can be disposedin an indentation in the attachment side of the housing to resistpealing or removal of the releasable attachment pad. In another aspect,the releasable attachment pad 22 can extend beyond an outer surface ofthe attachment side of the housing, as described below. Initially, thesupplemental battery can be provided with a release liner covering theouter, exposed surface of the releasable attachment pad 22.

The attachment pad 22 can be thin and can be permanently assembled tothe housing 30 of the supplemental battery 10, allowing the supplementalbattery 10 to releasably attach to the back 18 of the cellular phone 14.The attachment pad 22 can comprise: polyurethane, polyurethane foam, PVCfoam, acrylic foam, micro-suction foam/tape, or other similar thinreleasable sticky materials/tape, with a permanent adhesive on one side,and a releasable stickiness on the other side, or combinations thereof.The attachment pad 22 can be cleaned with water to renew the grip. Thesupplemental battery 10 can be attached to the cellular phone 14temporarily, such as only while it is being used to recharge the phone,and then the supplemental battery 10 can be detached from the cellularphone and stored away when not in use, to maintain the slim and sleekdesign of the phone during most of the phone's use. (As opposed to usinga battery “case” on to phone, for example, which is usually asemi-permanent phone case, and makes it bulky.) In one aspect, theattachment pad can comprise a polyurethane layer with a mounting sidehaving a greater surface area than an opposite, outermost surface. Inanother aspect, the attachment pad can comprise a polyurethane foamlayer. In another aspect, the attachment pad can comprise a polyurethanedome.

While the supplemental battery 10 is attached to the phone 14, theybecome one combined unit, easy to handle and use together in one hand.Many other typical power banks are usually large and shaped like brickswith long cables that are very difficult to handle when connected bycharging cable to a phone.

Being able to attach the supplemental battery 10 to the back of anyphone via the attachment pad 22, as well as the dual built-in chargingcables/plugs (described below), makes the supplemental battery 10compatible with most phones without regard to size or shape.

The cover 26 is removably carried by the housing 30, and selectivelylocatable on either side (over or adjacent attachment side 38 and faceside 42) thereof. Thus, the cover 26 has two different locations,including: 1) a protection location (FIGS. 1, 4, and 7 a), in which thecover 26 and panel thereof is disposed over the attachment side 38 ofthe housing 30, and the releasable attachment pad 22; and 2) a storagelocation (FIGS. 2 and 6 a-c), in which the cover 26 is disposed over theface side 42 of the housing 30. The cover 26 comprising a shell 86 witha panel 90 sized and shaped to substantially cover the releasableattachment pad 22 in the protection location when located on theattachment side of the housing. In addition, the cover 26 and/or shell86 has perimeter sides or fingers 94 extending from the panel 90. Thepanel 90 can be substantially planar and flat, while the perimeter sidesor fingers 94 can extend substantially orthogonally or perpendicularlyto the panel. An opening 98 (FIGS. 8-12) is defined between theperimeter sides or fingers 94 to receive the housing 30 therethrough,and to expose the releasable attachment pad 22 in the storage location.Thus, the cover 26 and the panel 90 expose tie releasable attachment pad22 in the storage location when located on the face side 42 of thehousing 30. The cover 26 and the panel 90 can have a width spanning alateral width of the housing 30. In addition, the cover 26 and the panel90 can cover a majority of the face side 42 or the housing 30 in oneaspect; or more than 75 percent in another aspect. The cover 26 cancomprise plastic, and can be formed by injection molding.

The cover 26 and the panel 90 can have a pair of cutouts formed in thepanel, such as first and second cutouts 102 and 106. The cutouts can belocated on opposite lateral sides of the cover or panel. The firstcutout 102 is alignable with the first pocket 58 of the housing 30 in afirst orientation of the cover in the storage location over the faceside 42 of the housing so that the first ping 70 and associated fingerindentation 66 is accessible, as shown in FIG. 6b . The second cutout106 is formed in the panel 90 of the cover 26 opposite the first cutout102, and is alignable with the second pocket 62 of the housing in asecond orientation of the cover in the storage location over the faceside 42 of the housing 30, different from the first orientation, so thatthe second plug 74 and associated finger indentation 66 is accessible,as shown in FIG. 6 c.

In addition, the perimeter sides or fingers 94 of the cover 26 or shell86 extend from the panel 90 on one side of the housing 30 to the otherside, such as from the attachment side 38 to the face side 42 in theprotection location, or from the face side 42 to the attachment side 38in the storage location. The perimeter sides or fingers 94 can have lipsor hooks 110 (FIGS. 10 and 11) on distal free ends thereof to engagingthe other side of the housing 30 opposite the panel 90. The hooks canform a snap-fit of the cover to the housing. The lips or hooks 110 canfit into a chamfer or fillet of an edge of the attachment and/or facesides 38 or 42 so that the distal ends of the perimeter sides or fingers94 are flush or recessed below a surface of the attachment or face side38 or 42. The releasable attachment pad 22 having an outermost surface114 extending beyond the distal free ends of the perimeter sides orfingers 94 of the cover 26. Thus, the outermost surface 114 of thereleasable attachment pad 22 is exposed beyond the distal free ends ofthe perimeter sides or fingers 94 of the cover 30 so that the releasableattachment pad 22 can releasably couple the housing 30 and therechargeable battery 34 to the back 18 of the cellular phone 14, evenwhen the cover 26 is carried by the housing 30 in the storage location.

In one aspect, the cover 26 and shell 86, and the panel 90 and theperimeter sides or fingers 94, can be sized and shaped to leave a gapbetween an inner surface of the panel 90 and the outermost surface 114of the releasable attachment pad 22 in the protection location. Thesnap-fit of the perimeter sides or fingers 94 with the housing can bethe primary connection between the cover and the housing. Thus, thecover can be easier to remove. In another aspect, the inner surface ofthe panel can releasably couple to the outermost surface of thereleasable attachment pad in the protection location.

The plastic cover 26 can snap onto the supplemental battery 10 when notin use, on the attachment side 38, to cover the majority of that side(and the attachment pad 22) of the supplemental battery 10, with hooks110 around the edge to secure it around the sides of the supplementalbattery. The cover 26 helps to keep the attachment pad 22 clean andsticky or tacky, as well as providing more protection to thesupplemental battery 10. The cover 26 can be made from many differentclear plastic materials, such as polycarbonate, acrylonitrile styrene,PET, etc.

The plastic cover 26 can also snap onto the opposite side (face side 42)of the supplemental battery 10 when the supplemental battery 10 isattached to the phone 14 and in use, so that the cover is not lost ormisplaced, and to help protect the supplemental battery. The cover 26can also provide additional thermal insulation when the supplementalbattery 10 is in use in case the supplemental battery 10 gets warm whilecharging the cellular phone.

In another aspect, the inner surface of the panel 90 of the cover 26 canhave a release coating, such as silicone, thereof, or can use a releaseadditive in the plastic, so that the cover releases easily when attachedto the attachment side 38 of the supplemental battery 10, even if incontact with the attachment pad 22.

Furthermore, the perimeter sides or fingers 94 of the cover 26 or shell86 a pair of gaps or notches therein, such as first and second gaps ornotches 118 and 122. The first gap or notch 118 in the perimeter sidesor fingers 94 can correspond to the charge port 50 and/or the powerbutton 54 of the housing 30 in the protection location of the cover 26,as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. The opposite second gap or notch 122 in theperimeter sides or fingers 94 of the cover can correspond to the chargeport 50 and/or the power button 54 of the housing 30 in the storagelocation of the cover 26, as shown in FIG. 6 c.

The gaps 118 and 122 can be positioned so that they align with thecharge port 50 and/or the power button 54 of the housing 30 in threedifferent configurations, including: 1) when attached to the attachmentside 38 of the housing 20 in the protection location (when thesupplemental battery 10 not in use charging the cell phone); 2) whenattached to the face side 42 of the housing 30 in the first orientationof the storage location (when the first plug 70 and first cable 78 arebeing used to charge the cell phone); and 3) when attached to the faceside 42 of the housing 30 in the second orientation of the storagelocation (when the second plug 74 and the second cable 82 are being usedto charge the cell phone). The gaps 118 and 122 allow access to thecharge port 50 and/or the power button 54 in each of theseconfigurations, so the power button 54 can be pressed to turn thesupplemental battery 10 on, check the charge level status, and/or so thesupplemental battery 10 can be charged by the charge port 50 whiledetached from the phone, and while attached to and charging the phone(pass-through charging). Thus, the cover 26 can be a multi-use,tri-directional snapping cover.

The cover 26 can also have a tab 126 extending a perimeter of thehousing 30 when the cover is disposed on the housing. The tab 126 can beengaged by a user to facilitate removal of the cover from the housing.The perimeter sides or fingers 94 can be disposed on three contiguoussides of the panel 90 and cover 26, while a fourth side is open. The tab126 can extend from the open side. In addition, an alignment bump 130can extend from the panel at the open side and adjacent the tab 126. Thealignment bump 130 can engage a fourth side of the housing 30 while theperimeter sides or fingers 94 can engage the remaining four sides of thehousing so that the cover is aligned on the housing and the tab extendspast the housing.

In another aspect, the supplemental battery 10 can have indicia 134,indicative of or representing a business, a product, or both, disposed,on the face side 42 of the housing 30. Thus, the indicia 134 can beexposed when the cover 30 is in the protection location, as shown inFIG. 7b . In another aspect, the cover 26 can be transparent ortranslucent. Thus, the indicia 134 can be visible through the cover 26when the cover is in the storage location, as shown in FIGS. 2, 6 b and6 c. Thus, the supplemental battery 10 can be used as a promotionaldevice.

A method for charging a cellular phone 14, and using the supplementalbattery 10 described above, comprises: 1) releasable attaching thesupplemental battery 10 to a back 18 of the cellular phone 14 (FIG. 2),or case thereof, with a releasable attachment pad 22 affixed to anattachment side 38 of a housing 33 of the supplemental batterycontaining a rechargeable battery 34; 2) removably disposing a cover 26on the housing over a face side 42 of the housing, defining a storagelocation (FIG. 2); 3) removing a first plug 70 from a first pocket 58formed in the housing, the first plug being coupled to the rechargeablebattery by a first cord 78 (FIG. 4); 4) inserting the first plug 70 intoa power port of the cellular phone 14 (FIG. 2); 5) removing the firstplug 70 from the power port of the cellular phone 14 after charging thecellular phone; 6) re-inserting the first plug 70 into the first pocket58 of the housing (FIG. 1); 7) removing the supplemental battery 10 fromthe back 18 of the cellular phone 14 or case thereof (FIG. 1); 8)removing the cover 26 from the housing 30 (FIG. 5); and 9) removablydisposing the cover 26 on the housing 30 over the attachment side 38 ofthe housing 30 and the releasable attachment pad 22, defining aprotection location (FIGS. 7a and 7b ).

Removably disposing the cover 26 on the housing 30 over the face side 42of the housing in the storage location can further comprise: aligning afirst cutout 102 formed in a panel 90 of the cover 26 with the firstpocket 58 of the housing 30 in a first orientation of the cover in thestorage location over the face side of the housing so that the firstplug 70 is accessible (FIG. 6b ).

The method can further comprise charging another different cell phone,comprising: 1) removing the cover 26 from the attachment side 38 of thehousing 30; 2) releasable attaching the supplemental battery 10 to aback of a second cellular phone or case thereof with the releasableattachment pad 22; 3) removably disposing the cover 26 on the housing 30over the face side 42 of the housing; 4) removing a second plug 74 froma second pocket 62 formed in the housing 30, the second plug 74 beingdifferent than the first plug 70 and coupled to the rechargeable battery34 by a second cord 82; 5) inserting the second plug 74 into a powerport of the second cellular phone; 6) removing the second plug 74 fromthe power port of the second cellular phone after charging the secondcellular phone; 7) re-inserting the second plug 74 into the secondpocket 62 of the housing; 8) removing the supplemental battery 10 fromthe back of the second cellular phone or case thereof; 9) removing thecover 26 from the housing 30; and 10) removably disposing the cover 26on the housing 30 over the attachment side 38 of the housing 30 and thereleasable attachment pad 22.

Removably disposing the cover 26 on the housing 30 over the face side 42of the housing in the storage location can further comprise: aligning asecond cutout 106 formed in the panel 90 of the cover 26 with the secondpocket 62 of the housing 30 in a second orientation of the cover in thestorage location over the face side of the housing, different than thefirst orientation, so that the second plug 74 is accessible (FIG. 6c ).

The supplemental battery 10 or rechargeable battery 34 there can becharged using the charge port 50 to connect to a power source, such as awall adaptor or other electronic device or laptop computer, as shown inFIG. 15.

In one aspect, the attachment pad 22 can be formed of or can include anexpanded vinyl material. It has been found that the expanded vinylmaterial provides a good frictional or “tacky” quality that remainsdisposed on the housing, and that retains the housing on the cellularphone. In addition, it has been found that such an expanded vinylmaterial typically can be disposed on the housing or cellular phonewithout marring or otherwise chemically interfering with the material ofthe housing or cellular phone. It will be appreciated that manysurfaces, such as a back of the cellular phone, can have a finishedsurface configured to be aesthetically pleasing and luxurious. Suchsurfaces can be expensive to replace or repair. It has been found thatthe expanded vinyl material not only provides the required retention ofhousing on the cellular phone, but also typically does so withoutchemically interacting with the material of cellular phone, or otherwisedamage the surface of the cellular phone.

The expanded vinyl material of the attachment pad forms a temporary,non-chemical, specific or mechanical adhesive bond with the back of thecellular phone (and/or the housing). The attachment pad can be removedfrom the back of the cellular phone without leaving behind any residueand without damaging the back of the cellular phone. Because theattachment pad is made from expanded vinyl, it can be easily cleanedwith soap and water, and still retain its tackiness, and is thusreusable.

The expanded vinyl material more specifically can include:diisodecy/phlthalate; polymeric plasticer; a UV stabilizer; a vinyl hearstabilizer; a blowing agent for vinyl plastisol; and vinyl resin(plastic). The expanded vinyl material can have a weight betweenapproximately 10 and 20 ounces per square yard; more preferably betweenapproximately 12 and 18 ounces per square yard; and most preferablybetween approximately 14 and 16 ounces per square yard. The frictionalholding device 10 can have a thickness between approximately 0.03 and0.09; more preferably between approximately 0.04 and 0.08 inches; andmost preferably between approximately 0.05 and 0.06 inches.

The attachment pad can be formed of different layers with differentmaterials. For example, the pad can have a skin layer formed on thesmoother application side formed of a different material than the restof the pad. For example, the material of the skin layer can include:aqua ammonia (NH₄OH); azardine; rubber; color; and body for thickening.The skin layer can have a thickness between 0.003 and 0.006 inches, andmore preferably between 0.004 and 0.005 inches.

In another aspect, the attachment pad can be formed of, or can include,a translucent or transparent material. For example, the pad can includea molded polyurethane material. It has been found that the polyurethanematerial provides both a frictional or “tacky” quality that remainsdisposed on the back of the phone, and that is transparent ortranslucent. In addition, the polyurethane material cart be easilycleaned with soap and water.

In another aspect, a polyurethane dome can be affixed to the housing.The polyurethane dome can include or carry indicia. In addition, thepolyurethane dome can have tacky properties to removably secure to theback of the phone. The polyurethane dome can be adhered to the housingby an adhesive film. The dome can have a broad, flat shape with anoutfacing surface parallel with the housing or outward facing exposedsurface, and surrounded by a radius perimeter. A majority, oressentially all, of the outward facing surface can be continuous andsmooth and parallel with the slider or the outward facing exposedsurface. In addition, the outward facing surface can be flavorsubstantially flat. Furthermore, the outward facing surface can besurrounded by a radius perimeter. Thus, the perimeter of the outwardfacing surface curves toward the housing. In one aspect, all of theoutward facing surface can be flat and smooth and continuous between theradiused perimeter. Thus, the dome can resist snagging on other objects.The outfacing surface can be tacky, and can cling to the back of thephone by specific or mechanical adhesion. The tackiness of the outwardsurface can be obtained through various factors, which can includematerial, hardness/softness, and coefficient of friction. As describedabove, the dome can be formed of polyurethane. The polyurethane can beformed by combining a polyol with a catalyst or hardener. In one aspect,the ratio of polyol to catalyst can be between 0.85 to 0.95, and about0.90 in another aspect, so that there is more polyol than catalyst. Inanother aspect, the ratio of polyol to catalyst can be between 0.63 to0.85 in one aspect, and between 0.63 to 0.75 in another aspect, so thatthere is more polyol than catalyst. Typical polyurethane is obtained bymixing polyol and catalyst in a 1:1 ratio. In addition, in one aspect,the outward facing surface or dome can have a hardness between 10 and 35Shore D. In another aspect, the outward facing surface or dome can havea hardness between 12 and 21 Shore D. In another aspect, the outwardfacing surface or dome can have a hardness between 12 and 18 Shore D.Other non-tacky stickers or decals typically can have a hardness of 60Shore D or harder. Furthermore, the outward facing surface can have acoefficient of friction of between 0.3 and 0.1 in accordance with ASTM D1894.

The polyurethane dome can include an adhesive film adhered to the dome.The adhesive can be selected to provide sufficient adhesion between thepolyurethane dome and the housing. The adhesive film can use a chemicaladhesive that adheres to the dome and housing. In addition, the adhesiveand/or the adhesive film can be substantially transparent, or at leasttranslucent. The adhesive film can be disposed on a substrate. Thesubstrate can also be a film. In one aspect, the substrate can besubstantially non-absorbent. The substrate can provide a surface, suchas an upper surface opposite the adhesive that can be printable. Inaddition, the substrate can be substantially transparent, or at leasttranslucent. The substrate can be a printed 3M Graphics Vinyl.Alternatively, the substrate can be a polyester film. The substrate canbe any laminated (non-porous) substrate, including: PP, PVC, PET, ABS,polyester, regular sticker paper, vinyl, or tin metal (foil).Alternatively, the substrate can be other films with othercharacteristics, such as reflective, metal shine, textured, etc. Astrength of the adhesive bond between the adhesive film and the slidercan be greater than a tacky cling between the outward facing exposedsurface and the item(s). Thus, the dome remains on the housing whileremoved from the back of the phone.

Furthermore, the polyurethane dome can be substantially transparent, orat least translucent. A graphic layer can be disposed behind the domeand visible through the dome. Thus, the graphic layer can be disposedbetween the housing (or adhesive film) and the dome, or between thesubstrate and the dome. The graphic layer can include ink disposed on orprinted on the substrate. For example, the graphic layer can be anaqueous based inkjet ink. The graphic layer can include the indicia. Thegraphic layer can include indicia that can be or can include letters,symbols, figures, pictures, logos, art, corporate messages, slogans,bi-lines, icons, etc. that are associated with or that form arepresentation of a business, company or organization or the like, or aproduct, service or the like, or both. Furthermore, the graphic layercan be or can include other inclusions, as described in greater detailbelow. The graphic layer can be visible through the dome. Thus, the domecan protect the indicia. The graphic layer and/or inclusion can besmaller or can have a smaller size than the substrate and dome such thatthe graphic layer and inclusion are surrounded by a perimeter of thedome and substrate.

As discussed above, the dome or outward facing surface can have a radiusperimeter. The dome can be made by pouring the polyurethane material ontop of the substrate and graphic layer to form the dome. Thus, theradius perimeter is obtained by individual pouring each dome, withoutstamping or cutting the domes from a continuous layer. The graphic layercan be printed on the substrate having the adhesive film opposite thegraphic layer. The graphic layer can be a discrete graphic containedwithin the dome, as opposed to a continuous graphic.

As indicated above, the graphic layer can be or can include aninclusion. The inclusions can be embedded in the dome. For example, thegraphic layer can be an etched metallic layer. The metallic layer can beetched to form the indicia. Other inclusions can be an LED (or otherlight source) and a battery power source; a hologram or lenticularartwork; an RFID computer chip or tag; a mirror; one or more gems orfaux gems; etc. For example, another dome as described above can have anLED electrically coupled to a battery. The LED may remain continuouslyactivated or lit. Alternatively, the LED may be activated, or the leadsfor the LED selectively contacted by the battery, such as by pressureapplied to the dome. Alternatively, a light sensor can be electricallycoupled between the battery and the LED to activate the LED in low lightconditions. Other electronics can be included for special effects, suchas flashing, etc. It will be appreciated that multiple lights or LEDs ofone or more color can be included or embedded in the dome. As anotherexample, another dome as described above can have a gem or faux gemembedded in the dome. The inclusion(s) can be disposed on the adhesivefilm and/or substrate, and surrounded by the material of the dome sothat the inclusion projects into the dome. Thus, the inclusions can beinclusions for the dome and/or the graphics layer.

The dome can also include inclusions embedded therein. For example, thedome can include a scented material, such as a scented oil, that ispermeable through the polyurethane material of the dome. In addition,the dome can be colored and translucent. Furthermore, the dome caninclude a florescent material.

In another aspect, the polyurethane layer or dome can be opaque with agraphic layer, such as printing, on the outfacing surface.

In another aspect, the indicia can be printed on or molded into the domeitself, such as on the top or front thereof.

While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the principles of thepresent invention in one or more particular applications, it will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerousmodifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be madewithout the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing fromthe principles and concepts of the invention. Accordingly, it is notintended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims setforth below.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A self-attaching supplemental batterydevice configured for a mobile device, the supplemental battery devicecomprising: a) a housing containing a rechargeable battery, and havingopposite sides including an attachment side and a face side; b) areleasable attachment pad affixed to the attachment side of the housingand configured to releasably couple the housing and the rechargeablebattery to a back of the mobile device; c) a cover removably carried bythe housing and selectively locatable on either side thereof; d) thecover comprising a panel sized and shaped to substantially cover thereleasable attachment pad in a protection location when located on theattachment side of the housing, and exposing the releasable attachmentpad in a storage location when located on the face side of the housingopposite the attachment side; e) a first cord with a first plugelectrically coupled to the rechargeable battery; f) a first pocketformed in the housing and removably receiving the first plug; and g) afirst cutout formed in the panel of the cover and alignable with thefirst pocket of the housing; and h) the first cutout aligning with thefirst pocket in a first orientation of the cover in the storage locationover the face side of the housing so that the first plug is accessible.2. The supplemental battery device in accordance with claim 1, furthercomprising: a) a second cord with a second plug, different from thefirst plug, electrically coupled to the rechargeable battery; b) asecond pocket formed in the housing opposite the first pocket, andremovably receiving the second plug; and c) a second cutout formed inthe panel of the cover opposite the first cutout, and alignable with thesecond pocket of the housing; and d) the second cutout aligning with thesecond pocket in a second orientation of the cover in the storagelocation over the face side of the housing, different from the firstorientation, so that the second plug is accessible.
 3. A self-attachingsupplemental battery device configured for a mobile device, thesupplemental battery device comprising: a) a housing containing arechargeable battery, and having opposite sides including an attachmentside and a face side; b) a releasable attachment pad affixed to theattachment side of the housing, and configured to releasably couple thehousing and the rechargeable battery to a back of the mobile device; c)a cover removably carried by the housing and selectively locatable oneither side thereof; d) the cover comprising a panel sized and shaped tosubstantially cover the releasable attachment pad in a protectionlocation when located on the attachment side of the housing, andexposing the releasable attachment pad in a storage location whenlocated on the face side of the housing opposite the attachment side; e)perimeter sides or fingers of the cover extending from the panel on oneside of the housing to the other side; f) hooks on distal free ends ofthe perimeter sides or fingers of the cover engaging the other side ofthe housing opposite the panel; and g) the releasable attachment padhaving an outermost surface extending beyond the distal free ends of theperimeter sides or fingers of the cover, and exposed beyond the distalfree ends of the perimeter sides or fingers of the cover, so that thereleasable attachment pad is configured to releasably couple the housingand the rechargeable battery to the back of the mobile device with thecover in the storage location.
 4. A self-attaching supplemental batterydevice configured for a mobile device, the supplemental battery devicecomprising: a housing containing a rechargeable battery, and havingopposite sides including an attachment side and a face side; areleasable attachment pad affixed to the attachment side of the housing,and configured to releasably couple the housing and the rechargeablebattery to a back of the mobile device; a cover removably carried by thehousing and selectively locatable on either side thereof; the covercomprising a panel sized and shaped to substantially cover thereleasable attachment pad in a protection location when located on theattachment side of the housing, and exposing the releasable attachmentpad in a storage location when located on the face side of the housingopposite the attachment side; a first gap or notch in perimeter sides orfingers extending from the panel of the cover and corresponding to acharge port and/or a power button of the housing in the protectionlocation of the cover; and an opposite second gap or notch in theperimeter sides or fingers of the cover and corresponding to the chargeport and/or the power button of the housing in the storage location ofthe cover.
 5. The supplemental battery device in accordance with claim4, further comprising: a tab extending from the cover past a perimeterof the housing when the cover is disposed on the housing, and engagableby a user to remove the cover from the housing.
 6. The supplementalbattery device in accordance with claim 4, further comprising: indiciaindicative of or representing a business, a product, or both, disposedon the face side of the housing; and the indicia being exposed when thecover is in the protection location.
 7. The supplemental battery devicein accordance with claim 6, further comprising: the cover beingtransparent or translucent; and the indicia being visible through thecover when the cover is in the storage location.
 8. The supplementalbattery device in accordance with claim 6, further comprising: a gapbetween an inner surface of the panel of the cover and the releasableattachment pad in the protection location.
 9. The supplemental batterydevice in accordance with claim 4, wherein the releasable attachment padoccupies a majority of the attachment side of the housing.
 10. Thesupplemental battery device in accordance with claim 4, furthercomprising: a) an indentation in the attachment side of the housing; b)the releasable attachment pad being disposed in the indentation; and c)the releasable attachment pad extending beyond the attachment side ofthe housing.
 11. The supplemental battery device in accordance withclaim 4, further comprising: the releasable attachment pad comprises atacky polyurethane layer.
 12. A self-attaching supplemental batterydevice configured for a mobile device, the device comprising: a) ahousing containing a rechargeable battery, and having opposite sidesincluding an attachment side and a face side; b) a releasable attachmentpad affixed to the attachment side of the housing, the releasableattachment pad being configured to releasably couple the housing and therechargeable battery to a back of the mobile device; c) a coverremovably carried by the housing and selectively locatable on eitherside thereof in two different locations, including: i) a protectionlocation in which the cover is disposed over the attachment side of thehousing; and ii) a storage location in which the cover is disposed overthe face side of the housing; and d) the cover comprising a shellcomprising: i) a panel sized and shaped to substantially cover thereleasable attachment pad in the protection location; ii) perimetersides or fingers extending from the panel; and iii) an opening definedbetween the perimeter sides or fingers receiving the housingtherethrough and exposing the releasable attachment pad in the storagelocation.
 13. The supplemental battery device in accordance with claim12, further comprising: a) the perimeter sides or fingers of the coverextending from the panel on one side of the housing to the other side;b) hooks on distal free ends of the perimeter sides or fingers of thecover engaging the other side of the housing opposite the panel; and c)the releasable attachment pad having an outermost surface extendingbeyond the distal free ends of the perimeter sides or fingers of thecover, and exposed beyond the distal free ends of the perimeter sides orfingers of the cover, so that the releasable attachment pad isconfigured to releasably couple the housing and the rechargeable batteryto the back of the mobile device with the cover in the storage location.14. The supplemental battery device in accordance with claim 12, furthercomprising: a) a first cord with a first plug electrically coupled tothe rechargeable battery; b) a first pocket formed in the housing andremovably receiving the first plug; and c) a first cutout formed in thepanel of the cover and alignable with the first pocket of the housing;d) the first cutout aligning with the first pocket in a firstorientation of the cover in the storage location over the face side ofthe housing so that the first plug is accessible; e) a second cord witha second plug, different from the first plug, electrically coupled tothe rechargeable battery; f) a second pocket formed in the housingopposite the first pocket, and removably receiving the second plug; andg) a second cutout formed in the panel of the cover opposite the firstcutout, and alignable with the second pocket of the housing; and h) thesecond cutout aligning with the second pocket in a second orientation ofthe cover in the storage location over the face side of the housing,different from the first orientation, so that the second plug isaccessible.
 15. A method for charging a cellular phone, the methodcomprising: a) releasable attaching a supplemental battery to a back ofthe cellular phone or case thereof with a releasable attachment padaffixed to an attachment side of a housing of the supplemental battery,the housing containing a rechargeable battery; b) removably disposing acover on the housing over a face side of the housing, defining a storagelocation; c) removing a first plug from a first pocket formed in thehousing, the first plug being coupled to the rechargeable battery by afirst cord; d) inserting the first plug into a power port of thecellular phone; e) removing the first plug from the power port of thecellular phone after charging the cellular phone; f) re-inserting thefirst plug into the first pocket of the housing; g) removing thesupplemental battery from the back of the cellular phone or casethereof; h) removing the cover from the housing; and i) removablydisposing the cover on the housing over the attachment side of thehousing and the releasable attachment pad, defining a protectionlocation.
 16. The method in accordance with claim 15, wherein removablydisposing the cover on the housing over the face side of the housing inthe storage location further comprises: aligning a first cutout formedin a panel of the cover with the first pocket of the housing in a firstorientation of the cover in the storage location over the face side ofthe housing so that a first plug is accessible.
 17. The method inaccordance with claim 15, further comprising: a) removing the cover fromthe attachment side of the housing; b) releasable attaching thesupplemental battery to a back of a second cellular phone or casethereof with the releasable attachment pad; c) removably disposing thecover on the housing over the face side of the housing; d) removing asecond plug from a second pocked formed in the housing, the second plugbeing different than the first plug and coupled to the rechargeablebattery by a second cord; e) inserting the second plug into a power portof the second cellular phone; f) removing the second plug from the powerport of the second cellular phone after charging the second cellularphone; g) re-inserting the second plug into the second pocket of thehousing; h) removing the supplemental battery from the back of thesecond cellular phone or case thereof; i) removing the cover from thehousing; and j) removably disposing the cover on the housing over theattachment side of the housing and the releasable attachment pad. 18.The method in accordance with claim 17, wherein removably disposing thecover on the housing over the face side of the housing in the storagelocation further comprises: aligning a second cutout formed in the panelof the cover with the second pocket of the housing in a secondorientation of the cover in the storage location over the face side ofthe housing, different than the first orientation, so that the secondplug is accessible.
 19. A method for charging a cellular phone, themethod comprising: a) releasable attaching a supplemental battery to aback of the cellular phone or case thereof with a tacky layer of areleasable attachment pad affixed to an attachment side of a housing ofthe supplemental battery, the housing containing a rechargeable battery;b) charging the cellular phone with the rechargeable battery; and c)removing the supplemental battery from the back of the cellular phone orcase thereof; d) removably disposing a cover on the housing over a faceside of the housing, defining a storage location: e) removing a firstplug from a first pocket formed in the housing, the first plug beingcoupled to the rechargeable battery by a first cord; f) inserting thefirst plug into a power port of the cellular phone; g) removing thefirst plug from the power port of the cellular phone after charging thecellular phone; h) re-inserting the first plug into the first pocket ofthe housing; i) removing the cover from the housing; and j) removablydisposing the cover on the housing over the attachment side of thehousing and the releasable attachment pad, defining a protectionlocation.